Oakley or Costa Del Mar?

[jooleyen]

I'm choosing some sunglasses, and I need your guys' help. I tried on some Costa Del Mars, and they were slightly heavy just because of the glass lenses. They were clear, but it's hard to tell what they're like when you're indoors. I also tried on some Oakleys, and they were very light because they're made of plastic.

Glass is clearer than plastic, is it not?

So why would someone like KVD wear plastic Oakleys? They fit great and have great lens colors, but why plastic?
I understand they're a sponsor of his, but still.

[Buzz Wing]

I'd go with the Costa Del Mars personally. I'd also check out Maui Jim's if you have them around you. How much are you looking to spend?

-Buzz

[jooleyen]

I don't really like any of the Maui Jim's, so forget those. I'm going to see what I like, and then get it on eBay. So from a store, I'm looking at glasses in the $140-$170 range.

[MIbasser]

I'm a fan of Maui Jims (because I own them) and Oakley (don't own them). Great polarized glasses and that is what is important. You need to get the polarized lens. As for glass vs. plastic. Not sure. Try them on, find out which ones fit best and is most comfortable. And look at warranties if they have one. I've had Oakley’s in the past and they were really good. Never had their polarized though.

[weaverml34]

Solar Bat's. They were designed by an optomitrist who is an outdoor enthusiast. They are extremely light and will save you some money compared to Costa Del Mar, Oakley, and Maui Jim. I will say that you can't go wrong with any of them. I changed my attitude on sunglasses. I used to buy $20-$25 pairs of sunglasses. I would end up buying two or three pairs a year because I would lose them. I've owned two pairs of Oakley's. One I spent $200 on and had 8 years before I lost them. The other pair I've had 6 years and spent $130. My point being is that I tend to take a lot better care of my expensive sunglasses than I do cheap ones and don't tend to lose them. At the end of the day I've spent less money per year than I would have replacing 2-3 pairs of cheap sunglasses. I just bought my Solar Bat's about a month ago to replace my lost Oakley M Frames. So far no complaints.

[Rebbasser]

Joolz,get the ones that feel right to you, just like a rod and reel. I like the polycarbonate lenses-I forget I'm wearing them since they are light and comfortable. The better quality glasses do make a difference-buy the best you can afford.

One thing I HIGHLY recommend: Get yourself some Chums or orher sunglass keeper that let them hang around your neck when not in use. If they are hanging around your neck you won't lose them or sit on them and break them.

[Buzz Wing]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

I'm going to see what I like, and then get it on eBay. So from a store, I'm looking at glasses in the $140-$170 range.

DITCH E-BAY! If you see what you like, at least order it off of the Internet or from the retailer. You never know wht you're going to get on E-Bay...

-Buzz

[flipp'n_stick]

Oakley Half Jackets with polarized lenses is the way to go IMO!!I love my pair and will not go to anything else!!

[Buzz Wing]

$50 pair of Coyotes on sale for $25. Great glasses for starting.



-Buzz

[bassdaddy]

my .02...two things you should never skimp on....sunglasses,,,their your eye's..electronic's,,,it's your time...check the warranties of the ones that fit your style and go from there.

[Pretender]

I've owned all 3. I owned each of them for at least 2 years. I used to swear by Oakleys until I bought my Mauis. The Mauis are by far the better of the two. Between the Mauis and Costas I would say they are pretty close. I think the Mauis are just a bit better, but they are a little more expensive. The Costas fit better on me and are more comfortable, but this is going to be personal preference. I abused the Mauis pretty good and they really took the beating well.

I'd say the Mauis are the best followed closely by the Costas. The Oakleys aren't even in the same category as the other two.

[jooleyen]

So glass is more clear and has an advantage over glass?

[Buzz Wing]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

So glass is more clear and has an advantage over glass?

That makes sense! Did you mean glass has an advantage over plastic?

-Buzz

[jooleyen]

Lol. Yes, that's what I meant.

[3dkicker]

Are you looking for polarized glasses? Then you should buy glass.

[jooleyen]

Yeah, I'm trying to find some Costas that fit me well. I was interested in the Oakley Monster Dogs because they fit really well and were light, but they are plastic. So glass it is?

[3dkicker]

Check out Columbia. I chose them over a couple other well known brands due to cost and I could get them done in my prescription. Even got the lenses replaced with warranty.

[BigBassin144]

I saw and ad in a mag about H30 Glasses. All of them come with grey, amber, and green lenses. There was no price, but they did look pretty awesome.

BB

[Rebbasser]

Joolz, both glass and polycarbonate will work well. The glass will be heavier but more scratch resistant. As I said, I prefer the polycarbonate lenses because they are lighter and more readily available. Polarized glass lenses are only made by a few manufacturers and are a little difficult to find.

As I said, choose what works for you.

[Buzz Wing]

Just to back-up what Reb said, polycarbonate is also slightly stronger.

-Buzz

[Buzz Wing]

Darn you, Joolz! Now you got the Shades Monkey all up on my case!

Seriously though, here are the shades I was looking at. Saw their ad in Bassin' and decided to check them out. I really like the styles, especially the Bellagio, Kenai, and Nice models. I'm a softie when it comes to those Tortoise style frames. Here is the main pair I'm looking at....

http://habervision.com/Products.aspx

I'm really diggin' the frames. It says they are made of Trilon, a virtually indestructable material, along with Corelex polarized glass lenses.

What color lenses would you reccommend for both sun and cloudy conditions?

-Buzz

[JB]

amber for over cast days , an the green or grey for sunny. get a pair of both

[basstech]

I've always prefered glass. From what I understand the polarization breaks down a lot quicker in plastic than in glass. B.T.

[BassAddict]

I have a pair of Oakley M Frames with a grey polorized lense for sunny days and a pair of Half Jackets with sort of an amber lense for cloudy days. The Half Jackets are so light I forget I'm wearing them sometimes.

[jooleyen]

Thanks for all of your help.... this should help me decide.